Al-Qadsiya’s Khaled Al-Rashidi throws the ball during training session.

BAGHDAD, April 13: Al-Qadsiya will conclude its final training session this evening in Iraq ahead of tomorrow’s decisive second leg against Duhok in the Gulf Champions League final. The first leg, held at Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium last Tuesday, ended in a goalless draw.

Montenegrin coach Zeljko Petrovic received a boost in the buildup to the match, with key players Khaled Al-Rashidi, Khaled Ibrahim, and Abdullah Mutawa returning from injuries sustained during or after the first leg. Mutawa had been forced off during the match due to injury.

Additionally, Al-Qadsiya will welcome back Moroccan midfielder Mehdi Berrahma and Moaz Al-Dhafiri, who missed the first leg due to suspension. However, Algerian defender Hussein Dhiri will be sidelined for the second leg after receiving a suspension.

Meanwhile, Al-Arabi's delegation has arrived in Ashgabat to prepare for its AFC Challenge Cup semi-final second leg against Turkmenistan’s Arkadag, set to take place the day after tomorrow. Al-Arabi holds a 2-0 advantage from the first leg.

The squad held a light training session upon arrival after an exhausting journey via transit through Dubai. The team was originally scheduled to fly directly, but Turkmenistan’s Civil Aviation Authority denied permission for a private charter.

Al-Arabi will be without Khaled Al-Marshad, who sustained an injury during a recent training session. Badr Tariq has also been ruled out of the match.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff